James Ray Farris

James Ray Jim Farris, 85, of Dothan, died at home on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, after a long illness. Jim was born in Elba, Alabama, on February 13, 1929, to the late Francis A. and Frances E. Farris. In 1947 he graduated from Elba High School where he played football, was a member of the Beta Club, and enjoyed a close circle of friends.

After attending both Troy State University and the University of Alabama briefly, Jim transferred to Auburn University and graduated with a B.S. degree in Pharmacy in 1952.  At Auburn Jim was in the Army ROTC and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.  Jim was commissioned in the US Army and served in Korea after graduation.  After his military service, Jim first worked in a pharmacy in Mobile and he retired from Eli Lilly & Co. after a 30 year career as a pharmaceutical representative covering territories in Dublin, GA; Macon, GA; and Dothan, AL.

Jim married the former Mary Charles Walker of Mt. Pleasant, AL on June 29, 1956.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years; three children: Fran Freeman John of Hoover; James R. Bubba Farris, Jr. Mary of Lilburn, GA; and Kim Farris Kathy of Atlanta, GA; three grandchildren: Mitchell Farris of Nashville, TN; Kimberly Farris of Lilburn, GA; and Will Freeman of Hoover, AL; and his sister Sandra Mullen Robert of Kilmarnock, VA.  He was a member of Evergreen Presbyterian Church where he served as deacon, elder and sang in the choir.  During retirement Jim was active in Golden K.

His passions were his family, his home, good food, and Auburn football actually any college football not necessarily in that order.  He enjoyed travelling and took his family to the Florida panhandle beaches as often as possible sometimes weekly and the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina at least annually when the children were growing up.  After retirement, Jim and Mary took many trips to explore the US, Canada and Mexico on group tours, family trips, and just the two of them.  Some of the best trips were with friends to Auburn bowl games in New Orleans and Florida.

The family is grateful to Jeania with Gentiva Hospice and caregivers: Shirley Hughes, Sherita Hudgen, and especially Helen Hudgen who provided compassionate and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 1103 N. Pontiac Ave., Dothan, AL, 36303, or the charity of your choice. The visitation will be 1pm-2pm Friday, February 13, 2015, at Evergreen Presbyterian Church with services beginning at 2pm with Dr. Joe Johnson and Rev. Ashley Drake Mertz officiating.